Rodney C. Hakes answers “Is it better than The Corrections and...”

Michael asked this question about Purity:

Is it better than The Corrections and Freedom?

Rodney C. Hakes I will update this when I have finished it, but at about 1/3 of the way through, no in my opinion.

Of course, I think The Corrections is one of the be…moreI will update this when I have finished it, but at about 1/3 of the way through, no in my opinion.

Of course, I think The Corrections is one of the best modern American novels ever written. I am also a huge fan of the author's work generally, and I liked Freedom very much. I am finding that the tone of Purity is very much like a John Irving novel, which is not a slight; however it is a bit unexpected from Franzen. It feels a little lighter and has more humor. I love John Irving, especially his earlier work, but I expect something different from JF.

halfway through - definitely not better than Corrections, but good in it's own right and better than anything else currently out.

FINAL ASSESSMENT - I finished it over the weekend. I find Mr. Franzen's writing to be very captivating and entertaining. I finished the book over the weekend, because I could not put it down (also I was in bed with a bad cold).

Having said that, I did not find it to be as good as the The Corrections (I daresay, nothing will ever be that good) or Freedom, but it was quite good nonetheless. JF writes in a way that is both economical and lyrical, while also putting together a captivating story on a global stage. I said previously in early parts of the book it read more like a John Irving novel, and I stand by that. I do think there are a lot of similar elements and reminders of early John Irving, i.e., Hotel New Hampshire. At any rate, I highly recommend this book. (less)

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